Back to the Eighties with Guitarist Jef Villaluna

In our latest Chatmosa Session, we took an energetic dive back into the vibrant tapestry of 1980s music with a focus on an exciting new concert project called "Back to the 80s." Joining host David and the team was guest Jef, known in the music world as JussJef, who shared insights into the creation and vision behind this nostalgia-fueled concert set for August 9th at Spaghettini Music Venue in Seal Beach.

The session kicked off with an engaging "popcorn round," introducing the hosts and setting a lively tone for what would be a richly informative discussion. Camille, CEO and co-founder of Chatmosa, eagerly set the stage for Jef, who detailed his passion for the 80s and how it inspired this concert series. "We thought, what if we just did a whole set of these kind of songs?" Jef shared, recalling the impactful moments when classic tracks like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” would energize crowds at gigs.

As the conversation unfolded, Jef elaborated on the careful selection of songs for the concert. Drawing from personal favorites and popular 80s anthems, he hinted at a curated playlist that would include not only staples from icons like Madonna and Whitney Houston but also some of the deeper cuts that are rarely performed live. He emphasized, "This isn’t going to be your typical wedding band cover show; we are giving audiences a unique experience."

The discussion turned to the collaborative effort behind the concert. Jef revealed that he's working alongside seasoned musicians, including vocalist Aaron Stevenson, who has an impressive background of touring with Janet Jackson. "We're not just recreating the songs; we're adding our flair while honoring the originals," Jeff said, emphasizing the talent and chemistry among the musicians he has assembled.

One of the standout revelations was Jef's deep emotional connection to the music of the 80s. "Hearing certain sounds and tones trigger back my childhood..." he said, drawing a picture of how nostalgia plays a pivotal role in not just creating music but in its performance and reception. This sentiment resonated with many participants in the session who fondly recounted their own 80s experiences, highlighting the era's uplifting vibes and celebratory spirit.

The conversation did not shy away from the realities of the music industry. Jef poignantly advised young musicians to stay true to their passions while maintaining self-awareness about their motivations. “Constantly check in with yourself,” he advised, encouraging aspiring artists to ask deep questions about their goals and the essence of their commitments in pursuing music.

As the session closed, the hosts and Jef acknowledged the excitement around the concert, underscoring the venue’s fantastic food and intimate atmosphere that would enhance the experience. Jef added a playful challenge to the audience, recommending that attendees dress in 80s-themed attire to fully immerse themselves in the event.

Listeners and fans can look forward to following the concert's developments through Jef’s Instagram handle @Backtothe80sshow, and the hosts teased more sneak peeks and video content leading up to the performance. With an enthusiastic call to action, Jef shared, “You have to be there; nothing compares to the live experience of music performed in front of you.”

With this session, not only did we get a glimpse of what the "Back to the 80s" concert promises but also an engaging conversation that echoed the communal love for timeless music. Stay tuned for more from Chatmosa as we dive into conversations that celebrate the art, craft, and community surrounding music in our lives.